Electric Construction Accident Lawyers in Delaware

Securing Fair Compensation for Injury Victims

The construction industry is an integral aspect of the economy in Delaware, the Northeast, and throughout every corner of America. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous industries on earth. Around two-thirds of all American workplace deaths occur in the construction field. Tragically, many of these deaths are directly related to electrocution injuries. If you or a loved one was involved in such an incident, an electric construction accident lawyer in Delaware may be able to help.

At Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, we’ve seen nearly every construction site injury you could imagine. The severity of these injuries varies by case, but physical harm caused by electrocution is almost always disastrous. That’s why we believe accident victims should seek legal help even if they’ve already qualified for workers’ comp. Otherwise, you may inadvertently leave compensation on the table. Schedule a free case evaluation today to ensure this doesn’t happen.

How Serious Is the Threat of Electrocution on the Job Site?

Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments. In fact, Delaware has a higher rate of fatal workplace accidents in construction than the U.S. on average. Unfortunately, many of these accidents are caused by electrocution. In fact, electric shock is the third-leading cause of death on American construction sites. Over 8% of worker deaths are attributable directly to electric shock. It’s possible that this number could even be higher due to multi-causal accidents.

This is why electrocution is known as one of construction’s “Fatal Four.” Along with falls, caught-in/between incidents, and struck-by accidents, electrocutions account for nearly two-thirds of all injury events on construction sites. Clearly, these threats are a serious concern for those working in the industry. If you or a loved one were shocked while on or near a work site, reach out to an electric construction accident lawyer in Delaware today.

Are There Multiple Types of Electric Construction Accident Injuries?

When people think of construction site electrocution accidents, they typically envision exposed wires and standing water. This is an accurate assumption, but it’s merely one of the many causes of such accidents. When such a tragic mishap occurs, though, it will always lead to one of four injury types. Some of these are far less serious than others. For instance, many people involved in electric construction accidents suffer nothing more than superficial burns.

However, understanding the following injury types and their severity could prove integral to your case:

• Flash injuries: These are caused by an “arc flash.” The electrical current does not go past the skin, so superficial burns are often the only negative outcome.
• Flame injuries: These injuries could involve electricity going through the skin, but not in all cases. The injury itself is caused when electricity sets an individual’s clothes on fire.
• Lightning injuries: This does not reference the weather event. This injury occurs when electricity flows through a person’s body for a very short moment at high-voltage intensity.
• True electrical injuries: This is a severe injury that involves victims becoming part of the current itself. You will typically see an entry and exit site left behind.

The severity of an injury can have a direct effect on a person’s compensation level. Even in cases where workers’ compensation benefits are the only available option, a more serious injury can result in higher lost wages, medical bills, and additional time away from work. In a personal injury case, more severe injuries can cause similar issues, but the possibility will also exist to recover damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more.

Am I Eligible for Compensation for My Injury?

More often than not, you’ll be entitled to compensation after suffering an electrocution injury on a construction site. Employees themselves have the most significant claim to benefits. That’s because Delaware workers are typically entitled to workers’ compensation payments after suffering injuries on the job. Your employer is probably required to carry this insurance, and since you don’t have to prove fault in your accident, the barriers to recovery are generally minimal.

Of course, there’s a chance that your employer or their insurer could deny your claim. If this happens, you should not hesitate to contact a Delaware workers’ compensation attorney. There’s a time limit for appealing these decisions, so taking quick action is necessary. Of course, workers aren’t the only ones injured in construction site accidents. There are also time limits for personal injury cases, so don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance.

“Can I Sue Someone Over My Construction Site Electrocution?”

Most people who are injured due to negligence can benefit from a Delaware personal injury attorney. If you are a non-worker who was injured in a construction site electrocution — such as when driving by or walking near the site — you may very well have a valid injury claim. Of course, most of these injuries affect individuals who are actually working on construction projects. In these situations, you’ll usually be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits without the need for a lawsuit.

However, there are certain instances where you may be entitled to workers’ comp and additional personal injury damages. That’s because workers’ compensation insurance only protects your employer from civil litigation. If a third party’s negligence leads to your injury — such as reckless acts by an outside contractor — they could be considered liable for your accident. Fortunately, workers’ compensation can help you keep your head above water while your injury claim works through the system.

Contact an Electric Construction Accident Lawyer in Delaware Today

Few things are as terrifying as witnessing someone experience an electrocution injury. Unfortunately, the experience is far worse for the victims of such incidents. If you have been injured in a construction site electric accident, you could face lost wages, pain and suffering, massive medical expenses, and a variety of other losses. You don’t have to deal with these issues alone, however, if you reach out to a Delaware personal injury attorney.

At Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, our dedicated legal team has spent years fighting for the rights of our clients. If you suffered an electrocution injury on or near a construction site, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. Our law firm serves clients in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and throughout the region. Contact us today by calling 302-678-8700 for a free case review. Our Delaware construction accident lawyers can help you get a better understanding of your case.